In the 4 C's for handling a spill, what is the difference between 'Control' and 'Contain'?

• A. Control: Stop leak at its source; Contain: Stop leak from spreading
• B. Control: Stop leak from spreading; Contain: Stop leak at its source
• C. Control: Contact authorities; Contain: Clean up
• D. Control: Repair the leak; Contain: Ignore

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing what each action targets in a spill: stopping the release itself versus preventing the released material from moving to new areas. Control means stopping the leak at its source—cutting off the flow, shutting off the valve, sealing the opening, or taking the immediate steps that halt the release where it originates. Contain means keeping what has already escaped from spreading—setting up barriers or berms, using absorbents, closing drains, and directing or isolating the spill so it doesn’t reach additional surfaces, drainage systems, or sensitive areas.

So the best description is that Control is about stopping the leak at its source, while Contain is about stopping the leak from spreading. The other tasks—like contacting authorities, cleaning up, or repairing the leak—are important but represent different stages or actions in spill response rather than the specific focus of these two terms.